Lakewood’s CIF-State Division II first round game against JSerra ended in overtime heartbreak for the Lancers, with JSerra emerging victorious with a score of 60-56. Coach Eric Oswell shared his thoughts on the game, expressing admiration for his team’s performance in a hard-fought match.
Having tied at 54-54 at the end of regulation time, the game proceeded to overtime. During this period, JSerra capitalized on Lakewood’s foul trouble to secure crucial free throws. Oswell expressed frustration with the foul count, which heavily favored JSerra in the fourth quarter. The disparity in fouls became a significant factor in the outcome, with JSerra ultimately sealing their victory with a clutch free throw.
The closely contested game saw neither team establish a substantial lead, with the score remaining tight throughout. Lakewood’s Nyemah King and Cristina Jones emerged as key players, contributing significantly to the team’s performance. Despite the loss, Oswell acknowledged the efforts of his players and their historic achievements in the season, which included a CIF-SS championship and a state playoff appearance.
Oswell highlighted the resilience and determination displayed by his team, particularly Jones and King, and expressed pride in the progress they had made throughout the season. He also conveyed a sense of optimism for the future, emphasizing the valuable experience gained by the team despite the disappointing outcome.
As the season comes to a close, Lakewood can look back on their accomplishments with pride, knowing that their dedicated efforts and remarkable achievements have left a lasting impact on the school’s athletic legacy. While the pain of defeat may linger, the spirit and determination shown by the team will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration for future endeavours.